Method and apparatus for knitting fabrics



April 21, 1970 y R. H. MARKS ETAL 3,507,130

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR KNITTING FABRICS Filed Deo. 4, 1967 l 7sheets-sheet 1.

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April 2l, 1970 v R, H, MARKS ETAL 3,507,130

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR KNITTING FABRICS Filed Dec. 4, 1967 r '7Sheets-Sheet l QV Rona/of Maf/4J i INVENTORS wir M April 21, 1970 R, HMARKS E TAL 3,507,130

v METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR KNITTING FABRICS -Pied oec. 4. 1967 l 7Sheets-Sheet 5 Rona/d Maf/,415

af/7erl E. Jo/res INVENTORS April 21, A1970 R. H. MARKS ETAL f 3,507,130

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR KNITTING FABRICS I Filed oec. 4. 1967 l 'rsheets-sheet Pona/c/ /l//a/"Af aw/"ence 60cm/marl April 21, 1970 R. H.MARKS ETAL METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR` KNITTING FABRICS 'T Sheets-Sheet 5Fi.' ed Jes. 4. 19"7 INVENTORJ BY g, uw.

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Aprnz'l, 1970 RHMA'RKS ETAL 3,507,130

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR KNITTING FABRICS Filed Deo. 4. 196'? 7Sheets-Sheet 6 I 42 I 73 72 I' l b I I April 21; v1970 R. H. MARKS ETAL3,507,130

l METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR KNITTING' FABRICS Fim JCC. 4, 19e',- l 7sheets-sheet v @00a/d H. Maf/w45 aw/@nce R @00a/waff; af/fer' f. Jfo/resUnited States Patent O 3,507,130 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR KNITIINGFABRICS Ronald H. Marks, Lawrence R. Goodman, and Luther E.

Stokes, Dallas, Tex., assignors to Enterprise Incorporated, Dallas,Tex., a corporation of Texas Filed Dec. 4, 1967, Ser. No. 687,540 Int.Cl. D041) 1/100 U.S. Cl. 66-169 15 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREThis specification discloses a method and apparatus for producing afabric wherein knitted yarn or yarn-like elements have a plurality ofinsert elements interengaged or interlaced in a direction transverselyof the courses of the knitted yarn or yarn-like elements to form acomposite fabric material having novel and improved characteristics.This abstract is neither intended to define the invention of theapplication which, of course, is measured 4by the claims, nor is itintended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As is well known, knitted and woven fabricshave different inherent characteristics which result in certainadvantages and disadvantages either in manufacture or in the nal fabricproduct. Knitted fabrics may be produced on a knitting machine at a verysubstantially faster rate than woven fabrics can be woven on a loom, sothat manufacturing procedures -by lthe use of knitting machines are moreeconomical; however, a knitted fabric is capable of stretching to someextent in all directions, which may be undesirable in certain products;also in many instances, knitted fabric requires considerably morematerial than woven material because in the latter case, elements oflarger surface area may be employed. Also a woven fabric has nonstretchcharacteristics, which are advantageous in some products.

SUMMARY The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing animproved composite fabric consisting of yarn elements and insertelements. As used herein, the term yarn elements or yarn is intended tomean the usual well-known yarn, either twisted or otherwise, as well asany yarn-like element such as a relatively narrow strip capable of beingknitted into a fabric on the usual knitting machine. The term insertelement, as used herein, is intended to mean an element capable ofinsertion into a knitted fabric in the manner hereinafter described. Ifinserted for utilitarian purposes, the element may be of a materialhaving a nonstretch characteristic in at least one direction or it mayhave a relatively large surface area as compared to the yarn element; insome instances, it may be both nonstretchable and of large surface area.Where used for decorative purposes, it may be stretchable with itssurface area subject to vari-ation.

One object of the invention is to provide an improved method andapparatus for producing an improved fabric, which fabric includesknitted yarn elements and insert 3,507,130 Patented Apr. 21, 1970 Piceelements interengaged or interlaced with the knitted yarn elements, saidinterengagement being accomplished somewhat in the manner of aninterweaving operation, to form a composite fabric having desiredstructural characteristics and appearance.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved method andapparatus for producing a fabric on a knitting machine, which fabric hasa nonstretch characteristic in at least one direction.

Another object is to provide an improved method and apparatus forproducing a fabric, which method involves performing the usual knittingoperation on yarn elements and simultaneously interengaging with theknitted yarn elements as said knitting operation proceeds, otherelements having a relatively large surface area compared to the yarnelements, whereby material costs for the completed fabric aresubstantially reduced, while the advantage of fast production on theknitting machine is realized.

Another object is to provide a method and apparatus for producing acomposite fabric which has some of the desirable features of bothknitted and woven fabrics, not only in manufacturing procedures but inthe final product, while eliminating certain undesirable features ofeach.

A further object is to provide as a new product of manufacture a new andimproved knitted fabric having insert elements Which have a nonstretchcharacteristic incorporated therein in a predetermined manner so thatthe product has very limited or no stretch in at least one direction.

Still another object is to provide a method and apparatus for producinga composite fabric consisting of knitted yarns and a plurality of insertelements having a relatively largeV surface area compared to the yarnsand a limited stretch in at least one direction, so that the fabricincludes a minimum amount of material and substantially preventsstretching of the fabric in at least one direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGURE 1 is a partial elevation viewof the preferred form of apparatus of the present invention.

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the apparatus illustrated in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional View of the apparatus taken along line 3 3 inFIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a partial perspective view of the preferred form ofapparatus to illustrate the detail of the structure which feeds theyarns and other elements to the knitting machine, some of said yarn andelements being omitted for the sake of clarity.

FIGURE 5 is a detail sectional view of one of the outer yarn feedingstations taken along line 5 5 in FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 6 is a detail sectional view of one of the inner yarn feedingstations taken along line 6 6 in FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 7 is a partial plan view of the control means which positions theinsert elements and which illustrates the relationship of the feedingstations to the control means. p

FIGURE 8 is a detail vie-w of the control means at each inner yarnfeeding station.

FIGURE 9 is a plan View of the control means shown in FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 10 is a plan View of a modified form of apparatus of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the drawings two forms ofthe n-ovel apparatus, capable of performing the improved method of thepresent invention are illustrated. The first form is shown in FIGURES1-9 and includes a circular knitting machine K of the type in which theknitting needles are mounted in a stationary cylinder and the cams foractuating said needles, as well as the yarn supply spindles, arerotated. In the second or modied form of apparatus, which is shown inFIGURES l and 1l, a circular knitting mad chine K has the needlesmounted in a rotating cylinder, while the cams for actuating saidneedles and the yarn supply spindles are stationary. In both forms ofthe apparatus, the desired fabric, as will be hereinafter described, isproduced. f

THE FIRST EMBODIMENT KNITTING MACHINE Referring first to the form shownin FIGURES l-9 and with particular reference to FIGURES 1 and 3, thecircular knitting machine K includes a suitable framework 10 which issupported upon legs 11. The framework 10 supports a nonrotatable annulartable or base 12 which is clearly illustrated in the partial perspectivevie-w in FIGURE 4. The table has an annular cyiinder 13 secured to itsinner end and this cylinder has the usual knitting needles 14 mounted toreciprocate vertically therein. The needles are adapted to bereciprocated by the usual cams 15 -which are secured to a rotatableactuating ring 16; the actuating ring is rotatably sup ported in anannular recess 12a formed in the upper surface of the table or base. Anupper support ring 17 is secured to the actuating ring in spacedrelationship thereabove by means of suitable brackets 13. As will `bedescribed, the support ring 17 carries what will be hereinafter referredto as outer knitting stations A and also has secured thereto otherelements to be described later. The actuating ring 16 has a gear ring 19at the central portion of its bottom surface, which teeth are engageableby a drive gear 20 mounted at one end of a drive shaft 21 (FIGURES 3 and4); the drive gear is in a fixed position and projects upwardly througha suitable slot 12b formed in the central portion of the table or base12 (FIGURE 4) so that said gear may impart rotation to the actuatingring 16.

The knitting machine also includes an upper framework generallyindicated at 22, and within this framework is a lower spindle supportingplatform 23; said platform is supported by the rotatable actuating ring16 through upright brackets 24, whereby the spindles 25 upon which yarnelements 26 are wound are supported on said platform 23 and will rotatesimultaneously with the ring 16.

The foregoing structure is substantially that of the usual standardcircular knitting machine which provides a plurality of outer knittingstations A so located as t0 direct 'yarn to the knitting needles toperform the usual knitting operation.

MODIFICATION OF KNITTING MACHINE end of a shaft 28 which extendsupwardly through a tubular housing 28a and above the top of the upperframework 22 and carries a pulley 29. A belt 3i) provides a drivingconnection between pulley 29 and another pulley 31 lmounted on the upperend of a shaft 32. The lower end of shaft 32 carries a bevel gear 33which is engaged with an angle gear 34 mounted on a shaft 35. The innerend of this shaft carries a gear 36 which projects through a slot 12b(FIGURE l) in the nonrotatable table or base 12 and engages the teeth 19of the rotatable actuating ring 16.

With such arrangement, when the main power shaft 21 imparts rotation tothe ring 16, said ring, by reason of its engagement with the gear 36,will drive shaft 35 and through the gears 33, 34 and the pulleys 31 and29 will impart similar rotation to the central circular plate 27.Obviously, the rotation of the ring 16 will be synchronized with therotation of the circular plate 27 for purposes to be hereinafterdescribed. The drive shaft 21 is driven by a motor 38 through suitablepulleys on the motor shaft and drive shaft and a connecting drive belt39.

As has been described, certain spindles 25 are mounted on the platform23 which is rotatable with the ring 16. Additional spindles 25 aremounted on an upper platform 41 which is connected through a suitabletubular support 42 with the inner circular plate 27. In this way theplatiforms 23 and 41 rotate at the same speed. The upper spindles 25have their yarn elements 26a directed to what will hereinafter bereferred to an an inner knitting station B; the elements extend fromtheir respective spindles through an annular guide area formed betweenthe housing 28a and tubular support 42. The yarn elements 26 aredelivered to the knitting needles from the outer knitting stations A,while the yarn elements 26a are delivered to the needles through theinner knitting stations B.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the standard circular knittingmachine has been modified to provide the inner knitting stations B whichare mounted on the central circular plate 27. The knitting stations Aand B are disposed in the same circumferential plane, as shown in FIGURE7, but are disposed in different radial planes so as to be offset fromeach other; this forms an open space between the stations A and B withsaid space being located along the circumferential plane or path inwhich said stations are disposed.

When the knitting machine is operated, the yarn 26 is directed to theouter knitting station A while the yarn 26a is directed to the innerknitting station B. The knitting needles operating in the usual mannerwill engage the yarn. to form a knitted fabric in circular form, suchknit structure being generally indicated by the letter S in FIGURES 1and 3; the circular knitted fabric may be subsequently cut along alongitudinal plane to form a flat section of fabric material. As is wellknown, the circular knit structure is wound upon a roller 43 (FIG-URE 1) and such roller is driven through a pulley 44, belt 45, and apulley 46 mounted on a stub shaft 47. The stub shaft is driven through asuitable chain or timing belt 48 from the main drive shaft 21 of themachine. The roller 43 functions to apply a downward pull upon theknitted structure, which pull is transmitted to the yarn elements 26 and26a to move them through the knitting operation.

With respect to the yarn elements 26 and 26a, it is pointed out thatthese elements may be yarn of any type or might even be a narrow stripmaterial capable of a knitting operation. They may be of the samematerial or, if desired, for pattern design, structural or otherpurposes they could be of different material. Also the yarn elements maybe supplied from any source other than the particular spindles shown.

The major feature of the present invention is the manner of insertion orinterengagement of a plurality of insert or strip elements 50 into theknitted structure formed by the yarn elements 26 and 26a. Each insertelement may be of any material but is preferably of a material whicheither has a nonstretch characteristic so that when it is incorporatedinto the knitted structure the final fabric will have a nonstretchcharacteristic or has a relatively large surface area as compared to theyarn elements 26 and 26a so that a fabric using a minimum amount ofsmall yarn may be produced; the invention contemplates that the insertor strip elements may have both the nonstretch characteristic and theincreased surface area if the final fabric is of a type which would makethis advantageous. If used solely for decorative purpose, the insertelements may be stretchable and of any size surface area. Materials,such as plastic or paper, have been found satisfactory for use informing the insert elements.

For supplying the insert elements 50 to the knitting machine, it ispreferable to employ an apparatus which consists of three identicaldevices or units 51, 51a and 51b (FIGURE 2). Each of the devices orunits 51, 51a and 51b is arranged to supply the number of insertelements 50 for one-third of the circumference of the knitting cylinder13; although three supply devices or units are illustrated, this numberis subject to variation. Since each device unit is substantially thesame, a description of one will suice.

The unit 51 (FIGURE l) includes a suitable frame 52 upon the lower endof which may be supported the motor 3S which imparts rotation to themain drive shaft 21 of the knitting machine, as has been explained.Mounted upon the frame is a supply roll of sheet material 53 and thismaterial is passed upwardly through a slitter mechanism generallyindicated at 54. The slitter includes the usual slitter rolls which maybe adjustable to vary the width of the strips or insert elements 50 andsince it is of well known construction a detailed description thereof isdeemed unnecessary. The slitter rolls are driven by means of a driveshaft 5,5 having a gear 56 mounted thereon with said gear beingconnected through a chain or timing belt 57 with the shaft 58 of a gearreducer 59. 'I'he shaft of the gear reducer is driven through a chain ordriving belt 60 from the stub shaft 47; as has been explained the stubshaft 47 is operated by the main drive shaft 21 through the chain drive48. The other supply and slitter units 51a and 51b are preferably drivenfrom the shaft 55 of the unit 51 by elongate drive shafts 55a anduniversal joints 55b so that all units run at the same speed; however,if desired, each unit could be driven by its own motor.

It is preferable that the driving connections between the main driveshaft 21 and the slitter mechanism 54 of unit 51 be such that there isno slippage and for this reason, timing belts or chains are preferable.Thus, the speed at which the insert elements 50 from all units 51, 51aand 51b are supplied to the knitting machine is coordinated to the speedof the knitting machine so that the insert elements 5t) are delivered tothe area of the knitting stations A and B at a rate which is compatiblewith the rate at which the yarn elements 26 and 26a are directed to saidstations. As Will hereinafter appear, the i11- sert elements 50, as wellas the yarn elements 26 and 26a: are pulled into the machine at the samerate by reason of the rollers 43 (FIGURE l) upon which the finishedfabric is wound.

Although the slitter units 51, 51a and 51b are preferable, they are notessential to the invention since any means for supplying the insertelements may be employed. For example, insert elements, previouslyformed, could be wound on spindles and such spindles could be mounted onthe framework of the knitting machine; in such case the pre-formedinsert elements would be fed directly from the spindles to the area ofthe knitting stations. After each insert element 50 has been formed, itis passed through the eye 61 of a resilient finger 62 whereby theelements are maintained separated from each other; the spring fingers-62 also provide suicient flexi- 6 bility to relieve any excessivetension on the insert elements 50 to reduce the possibility of breakageduring operation.

Each insert element 50 is thereafter directed upwardly through a guidering 63 secured to the upper portion of the frame 32 of the knittingmachine and is then passed downwardly on the inside of an annular guidering 64 (FIGURE 3) which guide is suitably secured to a portion of theframework 22 of the knitting machine. Spaced at some distance below theguide ring 64 and located above the circular plate 27 is anotherstationary ring 65 which is also suitably secured in position within theframe of lthe knitting machine. This ring carries a plurality offlexible guide fingers 66 which are arranged in a circumferential pathand which are best shown in FIGURES 4 and 7. Each flexible guide fingerhas a fiattened guide collar 67 at its lower end and each insert element50 extends downwardly along the flexible finger 66 and has its endpassing through the collar 67 and is then directed to the area adjacentto the knitting stations A and B.

As will be explained, each insert element is directed into the knittingmachine while a knitting of the yarn elements 26 and 26a is beingperformed and said strips are adapted to be interengaged with theknitted fabric. Insertion of the elements 50 into the fabric isaccomplished by disposing the Strips alternately on opposite sides ofadjacent courses of the knitted fabric so that the insert elementsbecome a part of the final fabric and are retained in position 4by theactual knitting of the elements 26 and 26a into the final fabricstructure. Preferably the strips are disposed in a position so that eachstrip extends transversely with respect to the courses of the knittedmaterial.

The knitting stations A and B and the manner in which the yarn elements26 and 26a are knitted while the insert elements 50 are interengagedwith the knitted structure is best shown in FIGURES 7-9. Each station Aincludes an annular yarn guide member 68 which is mounted upon therotatable ring 17 which is secured through the brackets 18 to the mainactuating ring 16; thus each of the stations A rotate about the cylinder13. The guide member 68 has a vertical portion 63a provided with anopening 69 which is so located that the knitting needle 14 will engagethe yarn extending from the opening and pull it downwardly to perform aknitting operation. As shown in FIGURE 7, station A is in the samecircumferential plane as station B but is offset therefrom by beinglocated in a different radial plane.

Station B is shown in FIGURE 6 and each station includes an angularguide member 70 mounted on the inner circular plate 27 which aspreviously explained rotates at the same speed as actuating ring 16which carries stations A. The guide has suitable openings through whicha yarn element 26a may extend to locate said yarn element in a positionto `be engaged by the reciprocating needle 14. As is well known, thereciprocation of the needles, as controlled 'by the actuating cams 15performs a knitting operation whereby the yarns 26 and 26a are knittedinto a knitted structure.

For feeding the insert elements 50 into the knitted structure thefiexible guide fingers 66 are located in substantially the samecircumferential plane as the needles 14 when the guide fingers are intheir normal or relaxed position. Also each guide finger is disposed todeliver each insert element between two adjacent knitting needles(FIGURE 4) and the guide fingers as well as the insert elements carriedthereby are nonrotatable. Thus the knitting stations and the yarnelements are rotating with respect to the fingers, insert elements andneedles. In order to interengage or interweave the insert elements 14into the structure during the knitting operation, the fiexible fingersare adapted to be moved laterally with respect to the knitting needlesso as to locate each insert element on one side or the other of theknitted structure and also to remove the lower portions of said guidelingers from the path of circumferential movement of the knittingstations A and B.

Referring to FIGURE which shows station A,- when the knitting needle hasmoved upwardly to engage the yarn element 26, the flexible linger 66 andits insert element 50 have been moved to the left in this ligure therebylocating said insert element out of alignment with the knitting needle.This movement is accomplished by a relatively nonflexible'bowed member71 (FIGURES 4 and 7); this member may be referred to as a positioningstrap and is mounted by means of angle brackets 72 on the rotating upperring 17. It is so located with respect to the guide member 68 that asthe knitting needle 14 moves upwardly to engage the yarn element 26 atstation A, the lower portion of the flexible finger 66 engages saidstrap and is swung inwardly which displaces the insert element 50carried by the linger out of aligsnment with the needle. This movementalso locates the insert element out of circumferential alignment withthe guide element 68 and prevents such element from striking or engagingthe guide linger. As has been noted, the guide 68 is rotatable while thespring fingers 66 are stationary.

After engagement of the needle with the yarn element 26 at station A, aloop or stitch is formed in the usual manner. After formation of thestitch, the yarn element 26a will be engaged to begin formation of thenext loop. At this time it is necessary to move the guide linger 66 andits insert element 50 to the opposite side of the structure beingknitted. This position is shown in FIG- UREI 6 and is accomplished bythe engagement of the guide finger 66 with a rotatable positioning disc72. This disc is mounted upon a shaft 73 secured to the rotatingcircular plate 27 and extends beyond the periphery of the plate asuliicient distance to displace the lower portion of the yguide linger66 to the position of FIGURE 6. The plate actually carries a number ofthe discs 72 (FIG- URE 8) and disposed between these discs in radialpositions are the positioning straps 71 which are carried by therotating upper ring 17. As the positioning straps and the discs 27rotate in a circumferential path, the flexible guide lingers 66 arealternately engaged by said straps and discs; the timing is such thatthe inward and outward movement of the spring fingers, and the insertelements guided thereby, is coordinated with the knitting operation sothat each insert element is placed on one side or the other of theknitted structure in the manner illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7. In otherwords, each insert element is disposed between the loops formed duringthe knitting operation in what might be referred to as an interweavingor interlacing operation, and as shown, each insert extends transverselyof the courses of the fabric when in linal position (FIGURE l2).

Each positioning disc is adjustable with respect to the extent of itsperipheral projection beyond the periphery of the circular plate. Thisadjustment is accomplished by forming an arcuate slot in the circularplate 27 and mounting each disc upon an adjusting arm 74 which ispivoted to the under side of the circular plate 27. By a suitablelocknut arrangement each disc may be moved inwardly or outwardly of theperiphery of the circular plate so that the extent of outwarddisplacement of the guide lingers 66 may be controlled. Inwarddisplacement of the guide lingers is controlled by the shape of thepositioning strap or member 71.

From the foregoing it will be evident that the standard circularknitting machine is modified to the extent of providing a plurality ofinner knitting stations B carried by an inner rotatable plate member 27.Additionally the flexible guide fingers 66 are provided to direct theinsert elements S0 into the area of the knitting stations A and B. Alsothe positioning control assemblyfor controlling the positioning of theguide lingers is added; such assembly com-prises plate 27 and the innerdiscs 72 tor controlling the outward displacement at the proper time ofthe guide lingers and the outer positioning member or strap 71 forcontrolling the inward displacement position of the guide fingers 66.With these modifications to the standard circular knitting machine theapparatus functions to practice the improved method to produce theimproved fabric consisting of the knitted structure having the insertelements of desired characteristics incorporated therein.

OPERATION The operation of the apparatus and the novel method of forminga fabric is obvious from the foregoing. By providing the outer and innerknitting stations A and B, it is possible to feed the yarn elements 26to the knitting station A and to also feed the yarn elements 26a tostation B, while still providing an area between the stations whichpermits the insertion of the insert elements 50 into the knittedstructure. In an ordinary knitting machine, all yarn elements are fed toknitting stations located on the rotating ring 17, and in such event itwould not be possible to insert the elements 50 because the yarn would,at all times, be in the path through which the insert elements wouldhave to be directed into the structure. i,

The knitting stations A and-'B rotate simultaneously to feed the yarnelements to the needles which reciprocate vertically but which arestationary in a circumferential direction. T he insert elements are alsononrotatable and each insert element S0 is located between two needles,as is clearly shown in FIGURE 4. By reason of the insert elements S0being carried by the exible guide lingers, said insert elements aremoved back and forth in a lateral direction, that is, inwardly andoutwardly of the machine (FIGURES 5 and 6), so that as the knitting ofthe material proceeds, the strip is inserted on opposite sides of theknitted structure. The knitting operation may proceed at the usualnormal speed of a knitting machine and simultaneously with the knittingoperation, the insert elements 50 are directed into position between theloops and placed therein in what might be termed 1an interweavingoperation. Thus, the fabric, even though having the insert elementsinterwoven or interlaced into the struc,

ture, is formed at the speed of the operation of a knitting machine.This greatly reduces the cost of manufacture since production proceedsat a high rate.

The movement of the guide fingers 66, which direct each insert element50 into its position between two needles, is carried out automaticallyby the position control assembly consisting of the rotating circularplate and discs 72 and the positioning members 71 which are rotated byring 17. The spacing between the inner positioning discs 72 and theouter positioning members 71 and their relationship to the yarn knittingstations A and B is such that the flexible lingers are displaced intimed relationship to the forming of each stitch, with the result thatthe strip is inserted into the knitted structure to form the fabric asshown in FIGURE 10. It is, of course, evident that the discs 72 and thepositioning members 71 may be changed in contour and number so thateither one or more courses of the structure may be knitted togetherbefore movement of the guide finger 66 occurs; therefore, the insertelements S0 may be interengaged or interwoven into the knitted structurein any desired manner and relationship to the yarn and to overallfabric.

Other than the modifications of the knitting machine as previouslymentioned, the knitting machine is standard. Therefore, the yarnelements are knitted by the needles in the usual way, as is well known,and the guiding together with the inward and outward movement of theinsert elements 50 permits said elements to be properly inserted intothe knitted structure.

THE IMPROVED FABRIC through the fabric in a direction transverse to thecross links C between the yarn loops D; the cross links which extendbetween the rows R of yarn loops form what is sometimes referred to ascourses in a knitted structure and said yarn loop rows are sometimesreferred to as the wales or ribs of the knitted structure. The yarnelements 26 are those fed into the knitting needles from the outer feedstations A, while the yarn elements 26a are those fed to the knittingneedles from the inner feed stations B. In the knitting step oroperation, the yarn elements 26 and 26a are knitted together to form theyarn loops D, said yarn loops being located in the rows R. An insertelement 50 is confined between adjacent yarn loop rows or wales and isretained in the structure by the yarn loop rows as well as by theinterlacing of said element with the cross links or courses. As shown inFIGURE 12, insert elements are located between all of the rows R of yarnloops but this is not essential. For example, there may be two or morerows R of yarn loops between each insert element and the number ofinsert elements and their characteristics will depend upon the type offabric it is desired to produce.

The insert elements are illustrated as relatively wide strips whichpermit maximumsurface area to be provided with a minimum amount of yarnmaterial; however, as has been noted, the strip may also have anonstretch characteristic. Where only nonstretching is desired, theinsert elements may be relatively narrow and may be another type ofyarn, a filament or a strand. If the insert element is primarily fordecorative purposes, it need not have either a nonstretchingcharacteristic or a large surface area. It is thus evident that acomposite knitted structure having insert elements of preselectedcharacteristics in- .terengaged or interlaced therein in a manner ofinterweaving may be formed on a knitting machine which permits moreproduction at a faster rate (as compared to a loom) with resultant lessmanufacturing cost.

The fabric shown in FIGURE 12 illustrates the insert elements 50 asextending in a transverse direction with respect to the courses or crosslinks and confined by the yarn loop rows R; the elements are interlacedalternately through the courses so as to be positioned inside andoutside of the fabric structure, that is, a portion of each element ison one surface of the fabric with the remaining portion being located onthe other surface of said fabric. It is noted that the insert elements50 need not be alternately interlaced with relation to adjacent coursesbut may be interlaced between every other, every third or any othernumber of courses; also as explained, any number of yarn loop rows R maybe between the insert elements. Thus any preselected relationship ispossible to produce the fabric having the desired quality. Additionally,the yarn elements 26 may be of the same material as, or different from,the yarn elements 26a; the same is true as to the insert elements whichmay be of any size or material to suit the particular need.

The fabric may be used for various purposes. A product may bemanufacturedfrom the fabric which will not stretch or elongate in onedirection; as an example, a bag may be made of the fabric and such bagwould have no stretch in a longitudinal direction and would have only alimited stretch in an annular or circumferential direction. Anotherexample of final product would be a drape or curtain material; in thistype of material it would be advantageous to employ insert elements oflarge surface area in order to reduce the cost and if the element alsohas the nonstretch characteristic, sagging and deformation of the drapeswould be prevented. In other products where the nonstretchcharacteristic is not required, the insert elements having only largesurface area may be used for purposes of economy. Also if the insertelement is for decorative or design purpose, it may be stretchable andmay be of any surface area.

Attention is called to the prior patent to Marks, et al., No. 3,242,698issued Mar. 29, 1966, in which a plurality of strips, which form apiling on one surface of the fabric, are made a part of the finishedfabric. In such patent, one longitudinal edge of each strip is engagedby the knitting needles during the knitting operation and said edgeportion is gathered into and retained between the tightened yarn loopsof the fabric. As distinguished from this, the insert elements of thisinvention are inserted between the adjacent rows of yarn loops whichrows confine the elements and also each element is interlaced betweenthe cross links between said rows, which cross links form the courses ofthe finished fabric. Therefore, the insert elements of this inventionare incorporated within and form part of the fabric structure.

SECOND EMBODIMENT The modified form of apparatus illustrated in FIGURES10 and 11 includes the knitting machine K which is a rotating cylindertype of circular knitting machine. In -this machine, the supply of yarnremains stationary while the supply of insert elements rotates with therotation of the cylinder and needles. The knitting machine K is providedwith suitable structure for supporting the yarn supply at a posi-tionsubstantially above the rotating cylinder 13a. The yarn elements 2Gb aredelivered downwardly through the tube guides 81 to the inner feedingstations B at a position above the central plate 27a and beneath thepositioning disc 72a. Additional yarn elements 26C are delivered throughthe tubes 82 to the outer knitting stations A in a manner similar tothat described in relation to the knitting machine K.

Since the supply of insert elements 50a rotates with the rotatingcylinder 13a, the means supplying such insert elements or strips 50aincludes supply rolls 83, slitter cutters 84 and suitable guide fingers(not shown) which are similar to the guide fingers 66 of the rst form.The supply roll 83 and cutters 84 are suitably mounted on a support ring85 which is driven by the drive connections 86 from the main drive shaft21a. Thus, each web of material withdrawn from its roll 83 is divided bythe slitter cutters 84 into a plurality of insert elements which may bein strip form. Such strips 50a are directed into the fabric during theknitting operation involving knitting of the yarn elements 26b and 26e.Inner positioning discs and outer positioning members (not shown) whichwill be similar to positioning discs 72 and members 71 of the first formand which operate in the same manner are employed to properly positionthe strips outwardly at each inner feeding station and inwardly at eachouter feeding station in the manner previously described.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention areillustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in the size,shape and materials, as well as in the details of the illustratedconstruction, may be made within the scope of the appended claimswithout departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. The method of feeding an insert element into a knitted fabric duringthe weft knitting of said fabric on a knitting machine, which methodcomprises,

directing each insert element along a path which is in alignment withthe space between adjacent selected wales of the fabric as said fabricis being knitted,

moving each insert element inwardly and outwardly of the fabric as it isbeing knitted, said movement being in a preselected manner tointerengage said element with the knitted fabric and to locate portionsof each insert element on opposite sides of the courses of said fabric,and

confining each insert element against displacement fro-m its directedpath with respect to said space between selected wales of the fabricduring its inward and outward movement relative to the fabric to therebylocate each element between said selected wales in the finished fabric.

2. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein each insert element is ofa material having a nonstretch characteristic in a directionlongitudinally o-f the insert element whereby the insert elements limitthe stretch of the finished fabric in such` direction.

3. The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein each insert element is afiat strip having a surface area which is substantially greater thanthat of the yarn `being knitted so that the major portion of the surfacearea of the finished fabric is formed by said insert elements.

4. The method of inserting an insert element into a knitted fabric whilesaid fabric is being weft knitted `by the reciprocating knitting needlesof a circular knitting machine, said method including the steps of,

guiding each insert element along a path which is in alignment with theSpace between selected adjacent needles, moving each insert elementinwardly and outwardly of the fabric 'being knitted in a preselectedmanner to interengage said element with the fabric and thereby locateportions of each insert element on opposite sides of the courses of theknitted fabric, and

confining each insert element against displacement from its guided pathwith respect to the space formed between the selected adjacent needlesto assure that said element is disposed between the wales of thefinished knitted fabric.

5. The -method of feeding insert elements to a circular knitting machinehaving spaced knitting needles disposed in a circumferential path, saidmethod including the steps of guiding each insert element along a pathextending into the space between selected adjacent needles,

moving each insert element in a direction radially of the circularknitting machine and inwardly and outwardly with respect to the knittingneedles as the fabric is knitted to thereby position portions of eachinsert element on opposite sides of the courses of the knitted fabric,and

conning each insert element against displacement in a circumferentialdirection relative to the needles as the knitting of the fabric and thepositioning of the insert elements proceeds.

6. The method of producing a fabric on a circular knitting machinehaving knitting needles and also having a plurality of outer and inneryarn stations which are circumferentially spaced from each other andfurther having a plurality of insert element stations, said methodincluding the steps of Ifeeding yarn from each of the outer and inneryarn stations for engagement by the knitting needles, knitting said yarninto a fabric,

simultaneously directing an insert element from at least some of saidinsert element stations along a path which is in alignment with thespace between selected wales of the fabric being knitted and is alsobetween an inner and outer yarn station,

moving each insert element inwardly and outwardly of the fabric as saidfabric is being knitted, said movement of the clement being inpreselected timed sequence with the knitting operation to interengagesaid insert element with the fabric in a manner to locate predeterminedportions of each insert element on opposite sides of the courses of thefinished fabric,

and

confining each insert element against displacement from its directedpath with respect to said space between selected wales of the fabricduring its inward and outward movement relative to the fabric to therebyposition each element between said selected wales in the finishedfabric.

7. The method set forth in claim 6, wherein each insert element is of amaterial having a nonstretch characteristic in a directionlongitudinally of said element, whereby said insert clements limit thestretch of the finished fabric in such direction.

8. The method set forth in claim 6, wherein each insert element is ayarn of substantially the same cross-sectional area as the yarns beingknitted into a fabric.

9. The method as set forth in claim 6, wherein each insert element is aflat strip having a surface which is substantially greater than that ofthe yarns being knitted so that the major portion of the surface area ofthe nished fabric is formed by said insert elements.

10. An apparatus for producing a fabric, comprising a knitting machinehaving knitting needles and a knitting cylinder, a plurality of inneryarn feed stations, a plurality of outer yarn feed stations, said innerand outer yarn feed stations being alternately disposed in acircumferential path and spaced from each other,

means for delivering yarn to each of said inner and outer yarn feedstations for engagement by the knitting needles,

means for operating said knitting needles to knit said yarns into afabric,

a plurality of insert elements,

means for directing each insert element along a path extending into thespace between selected wales of the fabric being knitted, means formoving each insert element inwardly and outwardly of the fabric beingknitted to cause each insert element to interengage the courses of thefabric in a manner which locates portions of the insert element onopposite sides of the finished fabric, and

means preventing displacement of each insert element from its guidedpath and with respect to the space between the selected wales to assurethat said element will be confined between said wales in the' linishedfabric.

11. An apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein said means fordirecting each insert element along the desired path comprises a guidemember within which said insert element is retained, and the means formoving the element is a cam means coacting with Vthe guide member tocause said guide member and the insert element retained therein to moveinwardly and outwardly of the fabric being knitted. 12. An apparatus asset forth in claim 10, wherein said means for preventing displacement ofeach insert element is a guide member which is mounted for movement in aradial direction inwardly and outwardly of the knitting machine but isincapable of movement circumferentially of said machine, and

means on said guide member for retaining an insert element thereon.

13. An apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein the means fordirecting each insert element, the means for moving said element and themeans for preventing displacement of said element comprise,

a flexible guide member along which the element is guided,

retaining means on the member to hold the insert element against lateraldisplacement therefrom, and cam means engageable and coactng with theexible guide member to flex said member and move its lower portioninwardly and outwardly of the fabric being knitted to move the insertelement accordingly.

14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 13, wherein the guide members,the insert elements and the knitting needles are nonrotativelysupported, while the yarn supplied to the inner and outer stations andthe cam means are rotatably mounted with respect to the nonrotatingparts.

15. An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein 8,507,130 13 said innerand outer yarn feed stations are nonrotatively supported, and saidinsert element stations and knitting needles are rotatable with respectto said inner and outer yarn feed stations.

References Cited 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS 8/ 1872 Ramsdell.

9/ 1879 Chase.

6/ 1903 Nicholls. 10 10/ 1933 Weliens,

14 11/1966 Marks et al 66-202 XR 7/ 1967 Marks et al. 66-202 FOREIGNPATENTS 8/ 1925 Great Britain. 7/1936 Great Britain.

RONALD FELDBAUM, Primary Examiner U.S. C1. X.R.

